The Sunrise scenic byway is about 45 miles east of San Diego in southwest California. It begins one mile east of Pine Valley off I-8 and travels north to end at the junction with CA 79. The byway follows County Road S1, a two-lane paved road safe for all types of vehicles, and is 24 miles long. Temporary closure is possible during winter, otherwise the byway is open year-round.
Sunrise crosses the Cleveland National Forest, traveling through mountain meadows and forests of oak and pine. Wildlife observers need to be on the lookout for black-tailed deer and red-tailed hawks. The huge 600,000-acre Anza Borrego Desert State Park lies east of Sunrise. Views of this vast desert region can be seen from vantage points some 6,000 feet above sea level. A national forest visitor center, open weekends through summer, is in Mount Laguna. Information about the byway and national forest are found here.
Those interested in staying overnight will find two national forest campgrounds: Burnt Rancheria and Laguna. Both campgrounds are in the Laguna Recreation Area. Burnt Rancheria has a total of 108 campsites; 11 are tent-only. The campground is set among pine and oak trees and is open mid-May through October. Laguna is open year-round and has 103 campsites, of which 23 are for tent campers only. There are no RV hookups at either campground. Additional camping facilities are available in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, near the north end of the byway.
In addition to camping, Laguna Recreation Area attracts hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. There are several trails ranging from under one mile long to more than ten miles. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail crosses the recreation area. Trails can also be found in the state park.